A Hiker's Paradise: Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains - Part 1

The mountains had always been a dream destination.

The Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia are a hidden gem, a rugged and remote range that’s a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, located in the southwestern part of Cambodia. With dense tropical forests, diverse biodiversity, and stunning waterfalls, these mountains form part of one of Southeast Asia's largest and most biodiverse ecosystems.

For me, the mountains had always been a dream destination - not just for their breathtaking beauty but for their raw, unspoiled nature and rich biodiversity. When the opportunity came to join a small team of adventurers for a week-long hike through these mountains from Feb 21-28th, 2025, I couldn’t say no. It was going to be a true challenge for me – physically, mentally, and spiritually.

A Journey of Transformation

I felt deeply connected to the beauty surrounding me.

Our group of six consisted of three professional hikers from Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) Academy, two community guides, and me. My backpack was heavy with essentials - food, snacks, water, a hammock, sleeping bag, clothes, and other necessities. I felt both excitement and nervousness, knowing the mountains would challenge me in ways I hadn’t experienced before.

The first day was tough for me. We hiked about 15 km through hills, but the trail was manageable, and we made good progress. We set up camp near a small waterfall, where I sat on a rock, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. In that moment, I felt deeply connected to the beauty surrounding me. That night, as I hung my hammock between two trees and enjoyed a warm cup of instant noodles, we sat around the campfire, sharing food and stories. It was pure bliss - no citylights, no traffic, just the calming sounds of nature. 

The following morning, my body ached, but my mind felt clear and refreshed. Day two brought even more challenges - venturing deeper into the jungle with no proper trail and climbing steep hills. I was bitten by leeches and other insects, which was quite uncomfortable. By day three, the hike became even tougher, requiring rock climbing and navigating uneven paths but we found a beautiful place to camp that felt like something out of a painting.  

It was the perfect ending to an exhausting but unforgettable journey.

By the last day, we camped at Khnong Psar (ខ្នងផ្សារ), where we enjoyed a delicious meal that everyone contributed to. With the mountains in the background, glowing like gold in the late evening and a beautiful sunset behind the trees, we shared a simple yet fulfilling meal. The mood was relaxed, and we exchanged stories, laughs, and reflections on the challenges we’d overcome. It was the perfect ending to an exhausting but unforgettable journey. A sense of achievement filled the air as we gathered together to celebrate our journey. We spoke about the tough moments and how far we had come, realizing that the true reward wasn’t just reaching the destination, but embracing the journey itself. Sitting together in front of the campfire, surrounded by nature’s beauty, we felt a deep sense of connection to each other and a perfect ending - peaceful, joyful, and full of gratitude for the adventure we had shared.

The Struggles and Connection with Nature

The trees were massive and unique—each one different in height, color, and shape. As I walked through the forest, I felt an incredible connection to the land beneath my feet. I passed thousands of leaves, many with beautiful flowers, and it felt as though I was walking on a magical carpet. The trees were massive and unique - each one different in height, color, and shape. I took time to appreciate every detail - the texture of the tree bark, its size, height, and skin, the insects, and the natural beauty surrounding me. At one point, I hugged a giant tree, feeling a profound connection to nature. I could almost sense the tree’s history, knowing that some were hundreds of years old, providing medicinal benefits, and serving numerous other purposes. After a few days, I began to feel as though I was walking through a green forest exhibition with a red carpet, with each new setting offering different decorations, environments, and views. Some views excited me, others left me feeling sad, shocked, or surprised.

Though the hike was beautiful, there were challenges. I had to deal with the discomfort of leeches and ticks constantly biting me. But I soon learned to cope with the insects, focusing instead on the natural beauty around me. I also faced physical obstacles. I slipped on rocks, bruised my arms and knees, and even broke my hiking shoe along the way. At one point, I fell out of my hammock because I hadn’t tied it properly. It was a mix of funny and surprising at the same time. The journey was full of difficult and surprising moments, and the hot sun and rain made walking uncomfortable. My legs sometimes felt heavy with fatigue, but with every step, I pushed through, knowing that each challenge was part of the adventure and would bring rewarding experiences. Every fall, slip on rocks, and other difficulties helped me find balance in hiking, taught me to be more careful, and made me realize the importance of preparation, asking for help, and observing how other team members coped with similar challenges. 

Regarding resources, there was never enough water to drink or clean myself properly, and food was limited. I was used to having large, nourishing meals with fruit, milk, and juices at home. At times, it felt like there wasn’t enough food to sustain me on the hike. The lack of proper utilities made me realize how much I depend on the comforts of home. There were no bathrooms or places to clean up, and I didn’t have enough cooking utensils, so I had to improvise with what I had to prepare meals. Even though the meals were simple, the community guide showed me how to find wild vegetables from the forest that tasted like chicken. The guide also offered cardamom tea, and we enjoyed the unique flavors of the local plants. In those moments, I embraced openness, enjoying the new tastes, and learning to live in the forest with minimal resources. It taught me that comfort isn’t about what we have, but about accepting reality and adapting to it. 

Most of the night time was cold, and I sometimes woke up in the middle of the night because of the chill. But I found warmth around the fire with the guides. Occasionally, I would sleep near the fire with the local guides, finding comfort with the team. We camped in different locations each night - either deep in the forest or by a waterfall, always surrounded by darkness and the sounds of birds and nature. In reflection, I considered how lucky I was to sleep in such varied accommodations, each offering beautiful scenery, full of stars, fresh air, and a setting that allowed me to fully appreciate the environment.

The lack of proper utilities made me realize how much I depend on the comforts of home.

One of the most unforgettable moments was spending the night under a sky full of stars. After a long day of trekking, we gathered around the campfire, the flickering flames casting warm light on our faces. As the night grew darker, we sat back and looked up at the sky, which was full of stars. The sky felt so vast and alive, a perfect contrast to the quiet of the jungle. We shared stories, laughed, and reflected on the journey, each of us feeling a deep connection to the adventure and to each other. In that moment, the beauty of nature and the bond with my team made the experience feel even more magical. It was a peaceful, yet powerful time that I’ll always cherish.